Campgrounds
Experience Ontario’s diverse natural landscapes, from fully serviced lakeside campgrounds surrounded by pine forests to rocky windswept sites on the Canadian Shield.
The most important part of the camping planning process is securing a campground with the services and amenities that suit your needs.
There are several different options for camping in Ontario, including Ontario Provincial Parks, National Parks, Conservation Areas, Parks Commissions, privately owned campgrounds and on Crown Land.
Quick guide to campgrounds in Ontario
Ontario Parks camping reservations
Reservations can be made online or over the phone. Use the Park Locator to find the park experience right for you and book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Find more tips from Ontario Parks on making your reservation.
Note: Ontario Parks is reducing the maximum length of stay from 23 nights to seven or 14 nights for campground sites at select parks during the busiest season (July 1 to the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend).
Private campgrounds
The Ontario Private Campground Association represents over 400 campgrounds with a variety of camping experiences, from tent camping or full-size recreational vehicle camping. Many of the privately owned camping properties offer family-oriented facilities like playgrounds, swimming pools and basketball courts.
Parks Canada reservations
Use the Reservation Service online to guarantee your spot at national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas in Ontario.
Camping at St. Lawrence Parks
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is the agency responsible for the management and protection of key heritage sites, natural parks, bird sanctuaries and beaches along the shoreline of St. Lawrence River. In addition, there are eight campgrounds with over 1500 campsites plus over 600 RV sites. Make your camping reservations online.
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Know before you go
Accommodation and equipment rentals
Some private campgrounds offer cabins or trailer rentals, which is great if you don’t own camping equipment. As well, you’ll find a host of activities and equipment rentals like boats, paddle boats, canoes and kayaks and even bicycles.
Check in advance what services the campground you are visiting offers and what items you will need to bring (i.e. bike helmets, fishing equipment or PFDs).
Camping tips for beginners
If you are new to camping, check out this handy Camping 101 crash course on picking the perfect campsite, what to bring, how to start a campfire and safety tips.
Don’t Bring Your Own Firewood
Wood can contain insects or disease that potentially could risk local plants and animals. In Ontario campers are encouraged to purchase firewood onsite at the park or campground to avoid spreading harmful pests.
Last updated: December 18, 2023